Nanta: RM200 mln for road maintenance proves Madani Govt’s focus on Sarawak

KUCHING (Feb 8): The RM200 million allocation for this year’s federal road maintenance in Sarawak shows that the Madani Government is mindful of the state’s development.

In stating this, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the budget, earmarked under the Bumiputera Contractor Empowerment Programme (G1-G4), indicated a 300 per cent increase over last year’s RM50 million.

“This shows that the Madani government cares for Sarawak and Sabah, with both states receiving an allocation of RM200 million for this year’s project implementation, far more than what was provided in 2024 and 2025,” he said during a press conference, called after the drawing of lots for the 2026 works tender for Bumiputera Contractors (G1-G4) at a convention centre here yesterday.

At the event, 65 federal road maintenance projects were drawn and allocated to contractors under the G4 category; four projects to G1 contractors; 25 projects to G2 contractors; and 47 projects to G3 contractors.

It is informed that a total of 67 registered contractors took part in the draw.

“Almost 100 per cent of them will receive projects. More projects are allocated to G4 due to the actual requirements,” said Nanta.

These works would be carried out through the concessionaire, DAL HCM Sdn Bhd, which comprises of 95 pavement periodic maintenance projects worth RM174.6 million, and 46 non-pavement periodic maintenance projects valued at RM25.4 million.

The scope of pavement periodic maintenance includes activities such as mill and pave, cold in-place recycling, overlay, and road reconstruction.

Meanwhile, non-pavement periodic maintenance covers road safety and aesthetics, including road markings, signage, kerbs, and drainage systems.

The implementation of the works on site would be closely monitored by the Public Works Department (JKR).

Adding on, Nanta gave assurance that the governance framework and standard operating procedures (SOP) were in place.

“Contractors whose performance is unsatisfactory, or those who fail to meet the required standards, will be blacklisted.

“That is why I stress that we must be responsible and uphold integrity in carrying out our roles, especially when the government has allocated such substantial funding to ensure our roads are safe and comfortable for users.”

Earlier, 385 contractors who met the registration criteria of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), with proven performance records, and held the Bumiputera Status Certificate, took part in the process, which was overseen by a ballot committee.